Air force institute graduates 432 airmen, officers

The Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna, on Wednesday, graduated a total of 432 officers and airmen/airwomen at a ceremony graced by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

Addressing the new officers and airmen, the air chief emphasised the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to producing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors.

“Attending ceremonies like these reaffirms the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to technical education as a crucial tool in fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” Abubakar said.

He also commended the Commandant’s efforts in addressing pressing challenges and praised the shift towards practical-oriented learning.

“This paradigm shift, driven by recent curriculum changes, has successfully harmonised academic rigor with hands-on training to produce technically proficient graduates,” he noted.

The CAS also highlighted recent developments, including the induction of 12 new aircraft while noting that the NAF planned to acquire 50 more by 2026.

“My command philosophy to transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments, is fast becoming a reality.

“Between October last year and now, the Nigerian Air Force has inducted 12 brand new aircraft including 4 x Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, 2 x King Air 360 light transport aircraft and 4 x T-129 ATAK helicopters as well as 2 x AW109 Trekker.

“Pending acquisitions on the horizon include 3 x CASA-295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 10 x AW 109 Trekker, 12 x AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 x M-346 attack aircraft.

“In other words, the Nigerian Air Force will take additional delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026,” he said.

He attributed these achievements to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership and unflinching support.

According to him, the NAF has also focused on predictive maintenance, cutting-edge technology, and indigenous military manufacturing through Research and Development.

“It may also interest you to know that the Nigerian Air Force, under my leadership, has focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology and advancing indigenous military manufacturing through research and development.

“We are currently partnering with UA Vision of Portugal to operationalize the TSAIGUMI UAV in Nigeria. I encourage those of you with skills and passion for research and development to join this initiative,” Abubakar said.

He urged the graduates to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, ensuring the safety and airworthiness of new-generation aircraft.

“Your knowledge, along with adherence to our core values, will enable us to defeat terrorism and insurgency, making Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda a reality for all Nigerians,” Abubakar emphasized.

Earlier in his address, AFIT Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Saleh Rabe,  congratulated the graduating students, urging them to be good ambassadors of the institution.

“You have now been provided with the necessary basic and advanced training required to become active participants in the field of your various specialties. Many of you have also performed exceptionally well. Be good ambassadors of AFIT by demonstrating competence, dedication, and common sense,” Rabe said.

The commandant also commended the award winners, encouraging them to continue demonstrating excellence in their fields.

The PUNCH reports that the institute, established in 1977, has evolved into a multidisciplinary academic and research center of excellence, fostering self-sufficiency in critical training areas and eliminating the need for foreign training.